The Politically Intelligent Leader: Dealing with the Dilemmas of a High-Stakes Educational Environment - Softcover

Patricia Clark White; Thomas R. Harvey; Lawrence Kemper

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1578865980 ISBN 13: 9781578865987

Publisher: R&L Education, 2007

Synopsis

Today's educational leaders are often caught in a world of rising expectations and diminishing resources_the political pressures are enormous. Those in the business of education often feel ill prepared and apprehensive about their ability to deal with a high-stakes political environment. The Politically Intelligent Leader helps leaders at all levels learn more about themselves and their own political styles. It provides strategies for delivering a personal educational vision, diagnosing others' styles, and customizing strategies to influence those who can help or hinder one's organizational goals as well as providing groundwork for leaders to understand how to operate ethically with all groups_elected boards, citizen groups, unions and volunteers_during politically volatile times.

About this title

About the Author:

Patricia Clark White has been superintendent of three California school districts, a national and international consultant and presenter, and an executive coach for leaders dealing with political issues. Thomas R. Harvey served as dean of organizational leadership at the University of La Verne in California. He is the author of several books including Checklist for Change; The Practical Decision Maker; Building Teams, Building People; and the The Soul of Leadership. Lawrence Kemper has served as board member and state president of the Association of California School Administrators and superintendent in four school districts.

Review:

There is a fertile zone between mugger's alley and Pollyannaish ideals where the push-and-tug of politics flourishes. Educators need to join the fray. This book nicely portrays the strategic and tactical options drawing on both academic research and the realities of the game. (Terry Deal, coauthor, Reframing Organizations: Artistry, Choice and Leadership, and Leading with Soul)

The Politically Intelligent Leader is a must read for any aspiring―or experienced―administrator who must deal with competing priorities and organizational interests. Returning repeatedly to the notion that 'politics is local' and a challenge to be understood and embraced, the authors bring to bear their considerable experience in a series of easy-to-understand theoretical concepts and sensible and practical approaches to everyday professional challenges. I heartily recommend this book. (Scott P. Plotkin, executive director, California School Boards Association)

I really loved [the] book. It is written in the kind of personal, highly readable style that appeals to me, and I'm sure will appeal to many others as well. I particularly loved all the practical tips and the illustrative war stories ... used to make [the] points come to life. I find The Politically Intelligent Leader to be full of what my grandmother used to call 'good common horse sense.' (Leonard O. Pellicer, author, Caring Enough to Lead: Schools and the Sacred Trust, dean of the College of Education and Organizational Leadership, Uni)

A most useful book for aspiring administrators who need to understand issues of political leadership. The authors have written a very clear and user-friendly book. We will use this book with the students in our Educational Leadership program. (Dr. Noni Mendoza Reis, chair, Department of Educational Leadership, San Jose State University)

White, Harvey, and Kemper offer a readable book that encourages leaders to view politics as a way to meet the needs of all. (. American School Board Journal, May 2008)

A book that will keep you focused and grounded as you face the realities of external and internal politics, [this] is essential reading, not only for fresh, young faces uncertain about how to address their first organizational challenge, but also for their battle-weary counterparts who are looking for newer―and more effective―strategies to address ongoing issues. The Politically Intelligent Leader is a book that can save your sanity―and your career! (Robin Calote, president, Ventura College, CA)

About this edition

• Publisher: R&L Education
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1578865980
• ISBN 13: 9781578865987
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 188